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Questions Health Professionals Ask

Are you a health care professional? Read these frequently asked questions.

Stack of wooden blocks with question marks on them, topped by a block with a lightbulb on it


Who are your programs and services for?

Our programs and services are for people with the most complex and severe mental health and substance use challenges in the province. They are designed for people who have tried other treatment options with their local health authorities and need more specialized care.

How can I refer a patient or client to one of your programs or services?

Visit our referrals page, fill in the referral package, and submit it to your local health authority liaison. Contact information for health authority liaisons is in the referral package.

Where can I learn about your latest research?

Visit our research page.

What is trauma-informed practice? Where can I learn more?

Trauma is often closely tied to substance use, mental illness, stigma, health care access barriers, and other challenges. Trauma-informed practice means recognizing this link and making sure that people feel safe and are not re-traumatized by their care.

Learn more on our trauma-informed practice page.

Where can I learn more about treating a concurrent disorder?

We use the term concurrent disorder when a person experiences an addiction and a severe mental health disorder at the same time. Adding to the complexity of a concurrent disorder is the fact people with this diagnosis often live with other challenges that can further complicate their illness and make recovery even more challenging:

  • An additional mood or personality disorder that makes a client feel particularly anxious, fearful or paranoid
  • A chronic physical illness
  • A history of poor health or dental care due to social barriers
  • Unstable housing and/or unemployment
  • Stigma
  • Trauma

Due to all these factors, concurrent disorder treatment is very complex. Research has shown that patient and client outcomes are better when we treat people using a whole-person approach, addressing substance use, mental illness, chronic health conditions, triggers and trauma, while also identifying and developing personal strengths and resiliency, within one care plan.

Learn more and get resources on treating concurrent disorders on our treating concurrent disorders page.

What is therapeutic and relational security?

Therapeutic and relational security is a best-in-class clinical approach to safety in secure health-care facilities. It recognizes that the best solution for patient aggression is prevention, and focuses on studying a patient's environment, triggers, how they relate to others and more to keep everyone safe.

Learn more on our therapeutic and relational security page.

What other mental health and substance use resources do you have for health care professionals?

Visit our clinical and professional resources page.

SOURCE: Questions Health Professionals Ask ( )
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